Nigeria launches first mental health policy tracker to monitor implementation of reforms

Nigeria has launched its first public-facing Mental Health Policy Commitment Tracker, a digital platform designed to independently monitor implementation of the country’s mental health laws and policies amid concerns over slow progress in carrying out key reforms.

Developed by advocacy organisation Nigerian Mental Health (NMH), the tracker was officially launched virtually on Monday after an initial public unveiling in May.

NMH announced the launch in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES.

According to the organisation, the platform enables policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations and members of the public to monitor progress on commitments under the National Mental Health Act and related policies, including mental health financing, workforce development, treatment access and state-level reforms.

Why the tracker matters

Late President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Mental Health Bill into law in January 2023 after two failed legislative attempts dating back to 2003.

The legislation replaced the outdated Lunacy Act and marked a major shift in Nigeria’s approach to mental healthcare by strengthening the rights of people living with mental health conditions and providing for institutions such as a Department of Mental Health Services and a Mental Health Fund.

However, more than three years later, implementation of several provisions of the law has remained slow.

According to NMH, key institutional structures required under the Act, including the Department of Mental Health, have yet to be fully established.

The organisation also said the federal government missed its December 2025 target to fully decriminalise attempted suicide, while implementation of the 2023 National Mental Health Policy and the country’s first Suicide Prevention Policy Framework has been limited.

It said these implementation gaps informed the development of the tracker, which is intended to independently verify whether mental health commitments are being translated into concrete action.

Speaking at the launch, NMH founder Chime Asonye said policy commitments should be accompanied by measurable implementation.

“Visibility must be matched by measurable execution,” he said, adding that the platform is designed to ensure commitments lead to tangible legal, institutional and service delivery outcomes.

According to NMH, the tracker serves as a public dashboard that aggregates government data, legislative updates, budget documents, verified stakeholder submissions and community-reported evidence.

Each policy commitment is assigned an implementation status, such as “Not Started, In Progress, Delayed or Completed”, allowing users to monitor progress across the federal and state levels.

The platform tracks regulatory milestones under the National Mental Health Act, as well as governance structures, budget allocations, workforce capacity, access to treatment, affordability and broader rights-based reforms.

Stakeholders back initiative

The launch brought together government officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners and representatives of the creative industry.

Among the organisations supporting the initiative are Lagos Mind, Mind Over Matters NG, Stilt NG, Our Beta Life, the Mental Health Transformation Organisation (MHT) and Hevolve Foundation.

Mental health advocate and musician Hadiza Blell-Olo, popularly known as Di’ja, urged public figures to move beyond raising awareness by supporting partnerships that strengthen mental health reforms, noting that the tracker provides a framework for improving policy accountability.

Also speaking, the National Mental Health Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Tunde Ojo, said independent accountability mechanisms can help strengthen implementation and improve service delivery.

NMH said the platform is open to policymakers, practitioners, researchers and members of the public, who can submit verified implementation updates and feedback to improve transparency and support mental health reforms across the country.

By Fortune Eromonsele, Premium Times

Related story: Nigerian woman creates country's first mental health helpline

Lithium, copper reserves key to clean energy transition in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has received a new report identifying Nigeria’s abundant lithium, copper and bauxite deposits as strategic resources capable of accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy and supporting domestic industrialisation.

The report, presented on Monday in Abuja by the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South, outlines how Nigeria can leverage its mineral wealth to meet growing demand for renewable energy technologies while retaining more value within the country.

According to a statement by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the report was formally handed over to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, at the State House Conference Centre.

The report comes days after Mr Alake announced the discovery of what the government described as a world-class polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing deposits of platinum group metals, gold, nickel, copper, lithium and rare earth elements. The minister said the discovery, verified by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), ranks among the most significant developments in Nigeria’s mining sector in recent years and strengthens the country’s critical minerals potential.

The latest report examines Nigeria’s projected demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage technologies and electric vehicles alongside current mineral production and trade patterns.

It concludes that the country’s deposits of lithium, copper and bauxite closely match the minerals required to support the transition to cleaner energy sources.

According to the statement, the report also identifies existing gaps in Nigeria’s mineral value chain and proposes policy measures to maximise the economic benefits of the country’s natural resources.

Roadmap for industrialisation

Receiving the report, Mr Alake said it provides practical policy guidance for Nigeria’s efforts to transform its mineral resources into a foundation for green industrial development.

“By mapping domestic demand, supply and trade patterns, this report provides mineral-specific policy pathways to leverage Nigeria’s resources for our own green industrialisation,” he said.

He added that the report aligns with the ministry’s broader objective of ensuring that Nigeria moves beyond exporting raw minerals to developing local industries that create jobs and add value to the economy.

The ministry said it will work with the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South to develop a mineral-to-manufacturing localisation roadmap to increase domestic processing and manufacturing.

The partnership will also seek to attract investment from countries across the Global South and strengthen collaboration with manufacturers interested in developing clean energy industries in Nigeria.

According to the ministry, local stakeholders will also be engaged to advance green industrialisation projects linked to the country’s critical mineral resources.

The Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South is a partnership between Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Global South Centre for Clean Transportation at the Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis.

By Mariya Shuaibu Suleiman, Premium Times

Gunmen abduct students during exams in Nigeria

Gunmen stormed a secondary school in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state on Monday morning and abducted students while they were sitting national examinations, police said.

The attack took place at Government Day Secondary School in the town of Lassa, where teenagers aged around 16 to 17 were taking exams when armed attackers burst in and opened fire.

Nigeria’s military said troops tracked the attackers and engaged them in a firefight, during which one soldier and one member of a paramilitary support force were killed.

Officials said 10 students and teachers were rescued during the operation and were found unharmed. They are now receiving care.

However, authorities confirmed that several students remain missing, and the total number of those abducted is still being verified.

Borno police spokesperson Nahum Kenneth Daso said security agencies, including the military and police, were searching nearby forests in an effort to locate and rescue the missing students.

Military spokesperson Captain Mohammed Goni said search operations were continuing.

Insecurity in Borno state

The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s northeast, particularly in Borno state, which remains the centre of a long-running insurgency.

Armed groups, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have operated in the region for more than 15 years, carrying out attacks on civilians, schools, and security forces.

Nigeria continues to face multiple overlapping security threats beyond the northeast insurgency, including mass kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs and recurring communal violence in other regions.

School abductions have become a recurring tactic in parts of the country, fuelling fear among communities and disrupting education in already vulnerable areas.

By Fidan Sayyadli, Reuters

Related story: Nigerian army frees widow of ex-general who died in captivity

Switzerland returns 18 looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

 

Three Swiss museums have returned 18 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, a new step in the African's country decades-long struggle to repatriate its looted cultural heritage.

Nigeria’s stolen cultural heritage is slowly coming back home.

On Monday, Swiss authorities returned 18 artefacts looted during the colonial era to Nigeria in a ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos.

The restitution is the result of a collaborative process between Swiss museums and their Nigerian partners under the Benin Initiative Switzerland. The programme was launched in 2021 to investigate the provenance of Benin objects in Swiss collections.

Monday’s ceremony marked the first step in the implementation of an agreement signed in March 2026, in which Switzerland agreed to eventually transfer ownership of 28 pieces to Nigeria.

“The return of our cultural heritage marks more than the recovery of artefacts. It reflects the power of dialogue, trust, and international cooperation,” Nigeria’s culture minister Hannatu Musa Musawa said on X.

Fourteen of the pieces came from the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich, two from the Museum Rietberg Zurich, and two from the Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève.

The 18 artefacts are part of the country’s famous Benin Bronzes, a group of hundreds of sculptures and plaques mostly made of metal and ivory that decorated the royal palace of the Kingdom of Benin, now the Southern Nigerian Edo state. They performed political and religious functions and were essential to the kingdom's power.

British colonial forces stole most of these objects during a brutal punitive expedition that killed thousands of people in 1897.

After the violent raid, the Kingdom of Benin was absorbed into colonial Nigeria. The stolen pieces were eventually sold to over 130 museums in 20 countries, mostly in the United Kingdom and Germany.

The handover ceremony in Lagos also included the restitution of a bronze bracelet and four archaeological monoliths from Nigeria’s Niger Delta region which were “seized in Switzerland as part of criminal proceedings and subsequently transferred to the state,” the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

Switzerland and Nigeria also signed a cooperation agreement aiming to further the protection of cultural heritage, as part of “a broader effort to address historical injustice.”

A decades-long restitution battle

Art historians have shown that African states’ and communities’ calls for the return of artefacts looted during the colonial period are as old as the thefts themselves. But effective returns have only started to materialise in recent years, with Nigeria among the countries at the forefront of this struggle.

Last year, the Netherlands returned 119 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria, the largest physical restitution of such artefacts to the country to date.

In February 2026, the University of Cambridge transferred legal ownership of 116 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), with the physical transfer still to be arranged.

Other African countries have had wins in that field. Benin received 26 royal treasures from France in 2021, a process depicted in Mati Diop’s award-winning documentary Dahomey. French colonial troops had stolen the pieces during the 1892 colonisation of the Dahomey kingdom.

Earlier this year, French authorities also returned the Djidji Ayôkwé, a sacred talking drum, to Ivory Coast, 110 years after it was seized by colonial authorities.

But the restitution battle remains plagued by reservations and conflicts. Nigeria sent a formal repatriation request to the British Museum in October 2021. The institution retains over 900 objects from the Kingdom of Benin, including 203 Benin Bronzes, but has so far refused to return them under the argument that its collections are legally unalienable.

Ownership disputes can go on even after the repatriation is completed. In November 2025, protesters disrupted the opening of the Museum of West African Art in Nigeria’s Benin City over claims that its handling of repatriated artefacts violated the authority of the city’s traditional rulers. The museum’s launch was postponed sine die.

Some of the artefacts returned by Switzerland on Monday will be on display at the National Museum in Lagos, while most of them will return to their original home in Edo State, where they will be temporarily stored at the National Museum in Benin City.

“The NCMM plans to establish a world-class gallery to display all the recently returned Benin Artefacts, which will include not only the Swiss returns but also the artefacts returned last year from the Netherlands and the expected Cambridge returns,” said the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs.

By Sarah Miansoni, euronews

Related story: Britain open to loan Nigeria stolen art

Nigerians offer artworks to British Museum in new take on looted bronzes

Nigerians turning to stablecoins to move money across borders

A growing number of Nigerians are using stablecoins to send and receive cross-border payments faster and at lower cost than traditional banking systems. Businesses say the digital assets, pegged to the US dollar, help cut delays, reduce fees, and simplify international transactions.

CGTN Africa

Nigeria Announces Major Polymetallic Discovery Containing Copper and Other Critical Minerals

Nigeria has announced the discovery of a new polymetallic mineral province in Kaduna State containing copper, nickel, lithium, rare earth elements, platinum group metals and gold, describing it as one of the country's most significant critical minerals discoveries in recent years. 

The discovery was made by Steron Mining in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). At the same time, Steron Mining reported approximately 3.3 million tonnes of lithium reserves at its Abuja project, with total mineral resources estimated at 94.8 million tonnes. 

The Nigerian government said it will continue promoting domestic mineral processing and value-added development to strengthen its position in the global critical minerals supply chain. That infrastructure, power supply and regulatory challenges remain key factors affecting future project development.

SMM

Africa's richest man signs $400 million China equipment deal as refinery expansion targets 1.4 million bpd

 

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote is deepening his bet on Nigeria’s refining future with a Chinese equipment deal aimed at turning his Lagos refinery into one of the world’s largest fuel-processing hubs.

Dangote Group signed a $400 million equipment agreement with China’s Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group, known as XCMG, to support the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other industrial projects.

The deal is expected to help the group double the refinery’s capacity from 650,000 barrels per day to about 1.4 million barrels per day within three years.

If completed, the expansion would place the Lekki-based plant in the same league as Reliance Industries’ Jamnagar refinery in India, currently regarded as the world’s largest single-site refining complex.

For Dangote, the agreement is more than a machinery purchase. It is part of a wider plan to turn Nigeria from a fuel-import dependent economy into a major supplier of refined petroleum products across Africa and beyond.

The refinery has already begun changing trade flows in the region. Reuters reported earlier this month that the facility processed 700,000 barrels per day during a performance test, above its official 650,000 bpd nameplate capacity.

The plant, which started operations in 2024, produces petrol, diesel and jet fuel for the Nigerian market while also exporting refined products to other African countries, Europe, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

That shift is significant for Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, which for decades exported crude oil but relied heavily on imported fuel because of weak domestic refining capacity.

The XCMG deal also highlights China’s growing role in Africa’s industrial expansion. Chinese firms have become major suppliers of infrastructure equipment across the continent, offering large-scale machinery at prices and timelines many African companies consider more competitive than Western alternatives.

The refinery is preparing for a major capital raise ahead of a planned listing. The company had earlier this month sought about $1 billion through a private placement, valuing the refinery at about $39.1 billion. Investor demand had already exceeded $2 billion.

That valuation would make the refinery one of Africa’s most valuable privately built industrial assets.

Dangote has framed the refinery as a long-term industrial bet on Africa, not just Nigeria. The planned expansion would increase fuel supply, deepen petrochemical production and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional energy markets.

However, the scale of the project also comes with risks. The first phase of the refinery took more than a decade to complete and faced delays, funding pressure and crude supply challenges.

The second phase will test whether Dangote can expand faster while maintaining stable crude supply, regulatory support and export demand.

Still, if the expansion succeeds, it could reshape Africa’s fuel market and give Nigeria a rare advantage in a sector where it has long underperformed despite being one of the continent’s biggest crude oil producers.

By Ayodeji Adegboyega, Business Insider Africa

Africa's Formula 1 race heats up as Nigeria joins South Africa and Rwanda in bid to end 33-year wait

After more than three decades off the Formula 1 calendar, Africa's bid to host its first Grand Prix since 1993 is gaining momentum, with Nigeria joining South Africa and Rwanda in the race.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Nigeria submitted an official bid to stage a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, joining South Africa and Rwanda in the race to host the sport's first African event since the 1993 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami.

Nigeria has appointed Opus Racing Promotions as its representative to engage with Formula One Management (FOM) and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), with officials describing the proposed Abuja race as part of a project reportedly worth about $500 million.

If successful, Nigeria would become the first West African nation to host a Formula 1 World Championship race.

The bid comes as Formula 1 continues expanding into new markets, with host countries increasingly viewing Grands Prix as catalysts for tourism, foreign investment and infrastructure development.

Three countries, one Formula 1 dream

While Nigeria is the newest contender, South Africa and Rwanda have been pursuing Formula 1's return for months.

South Africa is banking on its rich motorsport heritage, having hosted 23 Formula 1 World Championship races between 1962 and 1993.

Its campaign is built around the historic Kyalami Circuit, which has secured approval for the FIA Grade 1 upgrades required to host modern Formula 1 races.

Rwanda, meanwhile, is pitching a purpose-built circuit near the under-construction Bugesera International Airport.

The country officially launched its bid during the FIA General Assembly in Kigali in December 2024, with President Paul Kagame positioning the project as part of Rwanda's strategy to become a leading destination for international sporting events.

Africa's strongest bid in decades

Formula 1 has not raced in Africa for more than three decades despite expanding its calendar across the Middle East, Asia and North America.

The continent's absence has drawn repeated criticism from seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who has argued that the sport cannot truly be global without an African race.

Although only one country is likely to secure hosting rights, the emergence of bids from Nigeria, South Africa and Rwanda marks Africa's strongest collective push yet to reclaim a place on the Formula 1 calendar.

Each proposal offers a distinct advantage. Nigeria presents the continent's largest consumer market and a rapidly growing economy, South Africa offers a proven Formula 1 venue with decades of racing history, while Rwanda is promoting a modern, purpose-built circuit as part of its broader sports tourism ambitions.

With Formula 1's calendar already packed with 24 races, winning a place will require more than a world-class circuit.

Governments must also demonstrate commercial viability, infrastructure readiness and long-term commitment. Regardless of which bid succeeds, Africa's renewed drive signals that the continent is no longer waiting for Formula 1 to return but is actively competing to host it.

By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa

Stowaways found on rudder of Chinese bulker in Nigeria

 

The Nigerian Navy is reporting that it again seized several stowaways as it is grappling with a growing problem of stowaways attempting to hide on outbound ships. The authorities arrested five suspects who were hiding in the rudder compartment of a bulk carrier berthed at the Lagos port complex.

The Nigerian Navy said the five, who are aged between 24 and 43 years, were apprehended attempting to hide in the rudder compartment of the bulker Chinafrie Happiness (174,413 dwt). The 289-meter (948-foot) vessel sails under the flag of Liberia. It is Chinese-owned and was berthed alongside the Tin Can Island Port, bound for India.

The suspects were discovered on June 17 and were taken to the Nigerian Navy ship, where they underwent preliminary investigation and profiling before being handed over to the immigration service.

“The handover forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts among security agencies to curb illegal migration and enhance maritime safety and security,” said Sub-Lietenant AO Ajayi, Naval Assistant to Commander NNS Beecroft.

Ajayi added that with Nigeria recording increasing cases of stowaways in its seaports, it has now become important for the country to discourage youths from attempting to board seagoing vessels illegally.

In March, the Nigerian Navy arrested three suspected Ghanaian stowaways rescued from the 2008-built oil/chemical tanker MV Anatolia (IMO: 9388003) and who were trying to illegally migrate to Europe. The suspects were discovered concealed within the rudder compartment of the vessel that sails under the flag of Panama while the ship was berthed at the Dangote terminal in Lagos.

According to risk intelligence firm Castor Vali, stowaways have become a persistent operational risk for vessel owners operating in Nigeria and the wider West African maritime corridor. Last year, vessels recorded approximately 2,300 stowaway-related incidents, with some foreign shipping lines experiencing two to three cases per week.

The firm highlights that the stowaway problem is fast becoming costly owing to the fact that each confirmed stowaway can attract a sanction of around $2,000, contributing to annual costs estimated at roughly $4.6 million in Nigeria alone.

Total exposure can approach $30,000 per incident when other factors like repatriation, delay, security management, and compliance handling are taken into account. Some of the stowaways have been successful, with stowaways captured in the Canary Islands and a group that made it across the Atlantic to Brazil on the rudder of a ship.

The Maritime Executive

Related story: 14-Year-Old Stowaway Found At Lagos Airport Was Tired Of Nigeria

Video - AI startup in Nigeria works to preserve memories amid rising dementia cases

Across Africa, rising cases of dementia linked to aging populations and other factors are becoming a growing concern. In Nigeria, a startup is using artificial intelligence to help families preserve memories and cognitive patterns before they are lost, offering a new way to support people affected by memory decline.

CGTN Africa

Nigerian SEC orders halt to marketing for Dangote refinery IPO

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday ordered an immediate halt to the marketing ​of a purported initial public offering by Dangote ‌Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE, saying no application has been filed or approved.

The regulator said it had identified advertisements, digital campaigns and ​investment solicitations promoting shares in the refinery across ​social media and other channels. Some registered capital ⁠market operators were involved in seeking advance subscriptions, it ​added.

“No application for the registration of an IPO or ​public offer of shares of the refinery has been filed with or approved by the Commission,” the SEC said.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in ​a statement on X, reiterated its March position that ​it has not authorised any IPO-related marketing, described recent online reports ‌and ⁠solicitations as unauthorised and inaccurate, and said any potential offering would only be communicated through formal regulatory disclosures.

The SEC warned that the promotions — including requests to pre-fund accounts ​or secure ​allocations — could mislead ⁠investors, distort market expectations and undermine market integrity.

It directed operators to immediately stop related ​promotional activities, remove materials within 24 hours ​and ⁠refund any funds already collected. It warned of sanctions for non-compliance.

The refinery, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, began operations ⁠in 2024 ​and is expected to transform ​Nigeria’s fuel market. Its planned IPO scheduled for later this year had ​drawn widespread interest.

By Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters

Nigerians Churches Are Fighting Soccer-Fueled Gambling Addictions

After Victor Adedeji’s father died from injuries sustained in a car accident in 2011, Adedeji, then 14 years old, spent seven months living at his grandmother’s home in Ilesa, a remote town in Osun state, southwest Nigeria. In the mornings, Adedeji woke up to the smell of the fish his grandmother had purchased from local fishermen. He arranged the catch in a basin, placed it on his head, and walked the streets all day to sell the fish for 70–150 naira each (then about 50 cents to $1 USD).

Eventually Adedeji’s mother sent for him and two of his siblings to return home to Bayelsa state, 270 miles south of Ilesa. Her job as a trader selling menswear didn’t earn much, so he felt a responsibility to provide for his family.

“I felt I [must] man up since my mother was the only one taking care of us,” he said. “I just wanted to do something to get money.”

Adedeji thought if he could find a way to earn even a few hundred naira, he could help his family. Friends he met through his mother’s Roman Catholic parish introduced him to sports betting, luring him with promises of quick wins. Soon, 15-year-old Adedeji became a frequent visitor at betting shops in the area, where he wagered on European soccer leagues. He bet every naira he had but with little yield.

Adedeji fell into depression, losing interest in his studies, which the parish sponsored. For more than a decade he tried to quit, but the stories of others who won kept him going: “There was also the promise that the more you play, the higher chance of eventually winning big.”

Sports betting is a booming business in Africa, where betting companies report millions of dollars in profit yearly. Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya rank as the continent’s top three countries for sports gambling. Nigeria alone has over 100 betting companies, with shops stationed near neighborhoods and public spaces for easy access. The rapid rise of smartphone internet access and online betting made gambling as easy as pushing a button. Most bettors are between 18 and 40 years old.

Many Nigerians see gambling, especially sports betting, as a quick way to overcome financial burdens. Over half of Nigeria’s population lives below the national poverty line, making many people desperate for extra income. Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission estimates more than 60 million Nigerians—around a quarter of the population—gamble daily, spending about $5.5 million USD.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup games dominate sports coverage, men and women like Adedeji may be especially vulnerable. Nigerians typically bet on soccer games, especially big European leagues in England, Spain, and Germany. Macquarie, a financial services firm, forecast that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest-ever betting event, with bets exceeding $50 billion globally, a significant increase from the $35 billion placed at the last World Cup four years ago in Qatar.

For Adedeji, sports betting felt like a trap. “It caught up with me,” he told CT. “There wasn’t any sign of fulfillment. I was never satisfied.”

Adedeji said that in 2017, he felt burned-out from sports betting. He decided to learn fashion design at a family friend’s tailoring shop, looking for something else on which to focus. Yet he couldn’t quit his addiction.

Gambling also took a toll on his family. In 2019, he moved to the capital of Abuja, hoping for a fresh start. But instead of paying his sister’s college tuition or easing his mother’s financial burdens as he intended, he lost his wages gambling. One day in 2024, he entered a betting shop where he owed about 20,000 naira (then about $15 USD). He couldn’t pay. Adedeji said the employees didn’t let him leave, insisting he settle the debt. Hoping to borrow money, Adedeji called his younger brother, who then told his mother.

“She was heartbroken and devastated,” Adedeji said. “Now everybody knew. I couldn’t hide anymore.”

Samson Ocholi, executive director of Right Mind Homes, a Bible-based recovery initiative for addicts in Abuja, said while the economy may play a role, idolatry drives betting in Nigeria.

“The major reason is that people want to make money without working, but it comes back to bite you,” he said.

Ocholi said even those who win don’t properly invest the money, “because they have not been disciplined and haven’t learned to manage money.” He encourages parents to keep a watchful eye on their children, as neglecting parental responsibility leaves teens and young adults vulnerable to peer pressure that promotes harmful habits like gambling.

Friends and celebrities also endorse and promote gambling on social media. Former Nigerian soccer stars like Augustine “Jay-Jay” Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu serve as brand ambassadors for top sports betting companies and are regularly featured on their advertisements. Nearly 300 topflight soccer clubs in Europe, which are closely followed by Nigerians, have partnerships with betting companies.

“If people, especially youths, see an influential person doing it, then they believe they too can,” Ocholi said. “It is a way to glamorize it and make it [seem] normal.”

But the consequences are dire.

Stephen Kolawole, a recovering addict at Right Mind Homes, said betting seems harmless at first. Eventually, though, Kolawole bet half his college’s school fees, preventing him from finishing his studies. Whenever he ran out of money, he thought his addiction was over. Then a paycheck would send him off on another spree. When he kept asking his parents for money, they checked his bank statement and realized he had a gambling problem.

“It was a tough experience,” he said. “I knew that I needed help but didn’t know what to do.”

A 2022 study revealed that a quarter of college-aged callers to helplines reported suicidal ideation related to gambling. In 2021, researchers from the Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit said a 16-year-old boy killed himself after gambling and losing money he had stolen from his employers.

“[Gambling] has caused people to be pierced with many sorrows,” said Jeremiah Aluwong, the presiding pastor of LightWk, a nondenominational Christian mission organization in Kaduna in northwestern Nigeria. “It makes you a liar, a cheat, and leaves you with several broken relationships.”

Aluwong, who runs a recovery center helping 15 men—former drug dealers and gamblers—overcome their addictions, said sports betting has led to an increase in crime and other social vices as many youths seek ways to fund their lifestyles.

He said the spread of the prosperity-gospel preaching in Nigeria encouraged the rise of gambling by equating wealth with God’s blessing, often without clearly differentiating between earnings from hard work and vices like gambling. He urged pastors to resist practices such as blessing cars and accepting large tithes from church members without first inquiring about the source of their income.

“The pulpit is not holding Christians accountable,” Aluwong told CT.

The poorly enforced regulations and shifting laws can further push young people toward addiction. In sub-Saharan Africa, gambling companies take advantage of a “regulatory void surrounding online forms of gambling and the promotion of gambling products,” a 2022 study said.

In November 2024, the Nigerian Supreme Court nullified the 2005 National Lottery Act, which had regulated betting and gambling in Nigeria. The court held that lotteries and sports betting belonged in the control of state governments. At least 10 of the 36 states have already created their own regulations, but others lag behind on this issue.

Eneh Chinaza, an Abuja-based lawyer, told CT the ruling doesn’t directly affect betting’s legality but loosens regulations restraining underage gambling. Chinaza said Nigeria doesn’t have any laws mandating that betting companies curb addictions.

“The laws and regulations on betting addictions in Nigeria are not very strong,” Chinaza said. “It is still an ongoing conversation.”

Adedeji said that last year he knew something had to change: “I was oppressed psychologically.”

He finally confessed his gambling addiction to his pastor, who advised him to visit LightWk’s addiction recovery center in Kaduna. Adedeji said LightWk taught him to see his gambling addiction as covetous.

“I learned that Christ was the only one who could save me,” he said.

After completing the recovery program, Adedeji said he started working at the center to help others discover the same freedom and forgiveness. While continuing his work as a fashion designer, Adedeji said he is also rebuilding relationships with his mother and siblings. Despite the strain caused by his past addiction, Adedeji said they’ve been welcoming and helpful.

“I thought my gambling wasn’t harming anyone,” he said. “But that was a lie.”

By Emmanuel Nwachukwu, Christianity Today

Related story: Google bans gambling ads in Nigeria

Nigeria's Senate passes bill to allow creation of state police to tackle insecurity

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday approved a bill to allow states to have their own police forces, paving the way for a major reform that would reshape the policing structure of the conflict-racked nation.

The proposed constitutional change will decentralize the country's police force, which is currently controlled by the federal government, but has been overstretched by an escalating insecurity crisis. The state police forces will operate alongside the federal police.

A lack of police presence in vast rural areas has worsened the country's security woes, analysts say, allowing militant groups to operate without challenge. Criminal groups and jihadis have killed tens of thousands of people, according to the United Nations.

The change would allow each of the country’s 36 states to create a police force that meets a minimum national requirement while the federal police retains control of counterterrorism, border patrol, organized crime and other national security issues.

The legislation, which enjoys bipartisan support and is being championed by the president, has long been considered a solution to the mushrooming conflicts across the country and has been debated multiple times in the past.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity has worsened as the militants have started operating in the southern region. At least 80 school children are still in captivity after being abducted by militants in the southern and northern regions of the country.

“In the light of recent mass kidnappings, the calls for a decentralized police have increased due to the sluggish nature of the government’s response to the events, which has been, in part, caused by the structural deficiencies of a centralized policing framework in Nigeria,” Ikemesit Effiong, a partner at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based risk advisory firm, said.

State governors are considered the top security chiefs of their states but do not have operational command.

Critics of the state police say it leaves room for abuse by state governors, who can use the force to advance personal agendas and silence critics.

Two-thirds of the state assemblies still have to approve the bill since it includes a change to the constitution.

By Ope Adetayo, AP

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle to sign new contract and lead Olympic side in expanded role

 

Eric Chelle will remain as head coach of the Nigeria national team after agreeing with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a new contract, bringing an end to months of uncertainty surrounding his future.

The Franco-Malian tactician was appointed in January 2025 as Super Eagles tactician following the resignation of Finidi George, who resigned two months into his appointment.

Chelle was initially tasked with leading Nigeria to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but that never materialised as the country lost the ticket to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final. Nevertheless, the country finished third at the 2025Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the contract extension on Tuesday during a meeting in Abuja attended by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and other federation officials.

One of the key improvements in the new agreement is a substantial salary increase. Chelle previously earned about $50,000 per month and was responsible for paying members of his coaching staff from his own salary, but the former Mali international will reportedly now earn around $100,000 per month, while the NFF will now take full responsibility for the salaries of his backroom staff.

In addition to retaining control of the Super Eagles, Chelle has been handed an expanded role with Nigeria’s U-23 national team, the Dream Team. He will oversee preparations and qualification efforts for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as Nigeria seek to return to the men's event for the first time since winning bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

Speaking to the media, as reported by Premium Times, Dikko revealed that discussions regarding the coach’s future have been concluded, with the NFF now expected to finalise the necessary documentation.

“It’s a new contract and a new remuneration which I think the NFF will do the necessary to now be able to finalise it,” he said.

“But I think I can confirm to you, we have agreed on a new term sheet with the coach, and the NFF will put it on paper. But I think we have agreed on something with the coach about his remuneration.”

After impressive performances against Poland and Portugal early this month, the three-time African champions will regroup in September for their AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.

To qualify for the football tournament, Nigeria must also negotiate their way past Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L.

By Shina Oludare, Flashscore

Africa’s largest refinery rejects claims its fuel is routed through Togo and re-imported into Nigeria

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed allegations that its petroleum products are exported to Lomé, Togo, and subsequently re-imported into Nigeria, describing the claims as baseless, unsupported by trade economics and inconsistent with its commercial interests.

The company issued the response on Tuesday in a statement titled “Response to Unsubstantiated Claims and Tissue of Lies”, saying it was compelled to address what it described as false narratives despite its longstanding policy of not responding to unfounded allegations.

“As a matter of policy, we do not respond to baseless and unsubstantiated claims, However, we have decided to clear the air on these ill-motivated web of falsehoods for posterity,” the refinery said.

The statement comes at a time of serious public debate over petrol prices in Nigeria following recent volatility in global oil markets and growing scrutiny of pricing decisions by major fuel suppliers.


Refinery says claims defy commercial logic

Dangote Refinery said the allegation that its products are shipped to Togo and later brought back into Nigeria is unsupported by available trade flows and makes little economic sense.

According to the company, facilitating imports that would compete directly with its own products would undermine its objective of maintaining and strengthening its position in the Nigerian market.

“A key objective of Dangote Refinery is to maintain and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of petroleum products to the Nigerian market,” the company said.

“Facilitating imports that compete directly with our own production would be inconsistent with this objective.”

The refinery added that its sales contracts and tender conditions explicitly prohibit the resale or re-importation of products into Nigeria.

It further argued that the economics of such a trade route are unfavourable.

According to the company, transporting petroleum products from its refinery to Lomé and then back into Nigeria would add between $82 and $90 per metric tonne (about N126,000 to N138,000 per metric tonne) in logistics costs.

Those additional expenses, the company said, would significantly reduce margins and eliminate any potential commercial advantage.

“Simply put, there is no evident commercial incentive for a producer to incur additional shipping, storage, financing and handling costs only for the product to return and compete in its largest and closest market,” the statement said.


Traceability and compliance controls

Dangote Refinery said it maintains detailed records covering product lifting locations, nominated vessels, counterparties and destination declarations where required.

The company said any suggestion that it knowingly facilitates re-importation is inconsistent with both the contractual restrictions imposed on buyers and its compliance procedures.The refinery also argued that the allegations contradict its publicly stated position on reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

According to the company, increased fuel imports weaken local refining, place pressure on foreign exchange reserves and undermine domestic industrial development.

“It would therefore be inconsistent with both the refinery’s commercial interests and its publicly stated position to support or encourage practices that increase imports into Nigeria,” it said.


Why the debate matters

The controversy comes as the Dangote Refinery assumes a larger role in African energy markets.

With a refining capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the facility is the largest refinery in Africa and the world’s largest single-train refinery.

Since commencing fuel production, the refinery has expanded supplies to the Nigerian market while increasing exports of refined products across West Africa.

The refinery has also become central to Nigeria’s efforts to reduce its long-standing dependence on imported fuel, a shift policymakers say could save billions of dollars in foreign exchange annually.

Its growing influence has made pricing decisions at the refinery closely watched not only in Nigeria but across several African countries that import petroleum products.

The latest debate comes after crude oil prices surged during tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, raising concerns about possible disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Although international oil prices have eased following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, fuel prices in Nigeria remain significantly higher than levels seen before the conflict.

The development has triggered fresh discussions among consumers and industry stakeholders about how quickly lower global oil prices should translate into lower domestic fuel prices.

The company maintains that there is neither a strategic nor commercial rationale for exporting products to neighbouring countries only for them to be re-imported into Nigeria.

“The allegation is not supported by the economics of the trade, the refinery’s contractual arrangements, its product traceability and compliance controls, or its long-standing position on strengthening domestic refining and eliminating dependence on imports,” the company said.

By Ayodeji Adegboyega, Business Insider Africa

Twins marry twins in joyous Nigerian joint wedding

 

When guests gathered at a church in the south-west Nigerian city of Ibadan at the weekend, they knew they were witnessing something rare.

A pair of twin brothers - Taiwo and Kehinde Oguntoye - were marrying twin sisters Taiwo and Kehinde Adediran in a joyous joint ceremony.

The Yoruba people, who predominate in south-west Nigeria, are known for having an unusually high number of twin births, but it is not every day two sets of twins tie the knot.

"We know many twins, but this marriage feels like it was arranged by God. We have always dreamed of marrying twins," Taiwo Oguntoye told BBC Yoruba on his wedding day.

"With God's grace, we pray for twins in our first and second children. That is our heart's desire."

Twins are considered a blessing in Yoruba culture and their names are predestined. The older child is called Taiwo, meaning "the one that tests the world", while the younger is called Kehinde, meaning "the one that came after".

The Oguntoye-Adediran love story began a decade ago, when all four were studying at the University of Ibadan.

A lecturer told the Oguntoyes that she knew a set of twin sisters they should meet, which piqued the brothers' interest.

"It's not that we haven't met other twin sisters before. We did date some, but sometimes things just didn't work out," Taiwo Oguntoye said.

The Adedirans initially resisted an introduction and did not answer the lecturer's phone calls. Then, eventually, a meeting was set up.

Taiwo Oguntoye, now in his early 40s, remembers: "We eventually visited them, we had a talk but they were not interested in a relationship then."

Instead, the foursome became friends. Life took them in different directions, however.

The sisters, who had been studying for master's degrees in Ibadan, moved abroad for further studies, while the brothers travelled and worked in several countries, including the United States and South Africa.

Years passed before the brothers reached out again.

Over time, despite some initial scepticism, their connections became undeniable.

The couples' families were thrilled by the relationships - Taiwo Oguntoye recalls bonding with his in-laws instantly.

"Everyone was so happy to see us, it felt like we had known them all our lives," he said. "We were treated like sons in our own father's house."

Proud relatives showed up in style to the wedding, where the couples co-ordinated their outfits.

Several other pairs of twins were in attendance - perhaps unsurprising as the grooms are well known locally for promoting twin culture. Known as the Oguntoye Twins, the brothers are active in culture and tourism initiatives.

The Oguntoyes have some physical differences, being fraternal twins, but their wives are identical.

"Our wives look so alike that even their family members sometimes confuse them. We don't mix them up, we know our own wives very well," Kehinde Oguntoye said.

The brothers say they share similar personalities to their wives, describing themselves as ambiverts - sometimes quiet, sometimes outgoing, depending on the situation.

Although they are very close, the married couples will live apart, Taiwo Oguntoye said.

"We have our unique plan about that, over time people will get to know about that."

For now, the newlyweds are enjoying a new chapter of their love story, which began with a near-perfect meeting, but was paused for years, before eventually blooming into two of the area's most talked-about unions.

By Makuochi Okafor, BBC

How Nigerian terrorists use TikTok, exploit country’s digital governance gap

A week after the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction killed and abducted more than 170 women and children from Woro in Kaiama, Kwara State, the terror group released a video on TikTok mocking the government and accusing it of “deceit and infidelity” for downplaying the number of kidnapped victims.

The 90-second video was shared on the Chinese-owned social media platform by a handler identified as Abu Muhammad Abba, a coinage that could be genuine but is more likely a pseudonym, as is common within jihadist circles.

Shortly after the clip went viral in February, both the video and the account disappeared from the platform, suggesting that the account may have been deactivated or the content removed. A recent check, however, showed that the account, likely created in 2025, has resumed disseminating propaganda messages and sermons by jihadi ideologues, including late Boko Haram founder Muhammad Yusuf.

The message was not merely propaganda. It reflected a growing global challenge in which extremist groups exploit digital platforms and weaknesses in digital governance systems to communicate, spread propaganda, recruit followers and project power far beyond the physical battlefield.

At the centre of this challenge is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), the foundational systems that enable governments and citizens to interact securely and efficiently through digital identity, payments, data exchange and trusted communications. While DPI is often discussed in the context of financial inclusion, service delivery and economic development, security experts increasingly argue that it is also becoming a critical component of national security.

As governments digitise public services and expand connectivity, extremist groups have become more adept at exploiting the same digital ecosystem to influence audiences, spread narratives and evade traditional security responses.

The TikTok video showing the abducted victims from Woro, however, represented more than a propaganda stunt. It highlighted how terrorism itself is evolving in the digital age.

A global digital battlefield

The exploitation of social media by extremist groups is not unique to Nigeria.

From the Islamic State’s sophisticated media machinery to al-Qaeda channels on Telegram and violent far-right networks operating across Europe and North America, terrorist organisations have transformed digital platforms into strategic assets, according to the Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP).

What were originally communication tools have become part of the infrastructure through which extremist groups recruit followers, disseminate propaganda, coordinate activities, raise funds and shape public perception.

“The war is not [only] about guns and bullets again,” said Malik Samuel, a security analyst and senior researcher at Good Governance Africa (GGA). “It is now more of an information warfare.”

Governments around the world have spent years trying to adapt to this reality.

In West Africa, where Islamic State and al-Qaeda franchises wreak havoc in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, regional efforts such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Counter-Terrorism Coordination Unit have largely focused on intelligence sharing, military cooperation and counterterrorism operations on the ground.

In Europe and North America, security agencies increasingly view online propaganda not merely as harmful content but as part of a broader ecosystem capable of facilitating recruitment, radicalisation and operational coordination.

One of the most notable examples emerged in Europe, where coordinated Europol-led operations dismantled key elements of the Islamic State’s online propaganda infrastructure. Rather than focusing solely on individual posts or accounts, investigators targeted the servers, websites, applications and communication systems that enabled extremist content to circulate globally.

These efforts pushed many extremist organisations away from mainstream platforms and into more obscure digital spaces, particularly encrypted Telegram channels, where propaganda networks sustained by automated accounts and sympathisers continue to operate.

Yet the rise of TikTok created new opportunities.

Since TikTok’s rapid global expansion, researchers and law enforcement agencies have documented how extremist actors exploit the platform’s recommendation-driven ecosystem to amplify propaganda and expand their reach.

An Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) report titled ‘CaliphateTok’ identified an active network of at least 20 Islamic State-supporting TikTok accounts that collectively amassed more than one million views. Europol has similarly documented the presence of terrorist and violent extremist content on the platform.

In September 2023, Europol’s European Counter Terrorism Centre (ECTC) and TikTok coordinated a multinational operation involving 11 countries that identified more than 2,100 pieces of suspected terrorist and violent extremist content, including material linked to jihadist and violent far-right networks.

What distinguishes many Western responses is not the absence of extremist content but the existence of dedicated institutions designed to continuously monitor, analyse and disrupt terrorist online ecosystems.

For example, Europol’s EU Internet Referral Unit (IRU), established in 2015, operates as a permanent capability that tracks extremist propaganda, supports online investigations, works with technology companies to facilitate content removals and maintains databases used in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

In June 2024, Europol, in collaboration with Eurojust and US authorities, dismantled online infrastructure supporting multiple Islamic State media outlets, taking down servers used to distribute propaganda and operational messages in at least 30 languages.

The operation demonstrated how modern counterterrorism increasingly focuses not only on content moderation but on disrupting the digital infrastructure that sustains extremist networks.

Nigeria’s emerging digital challenge

Nigeria is not isolated from these global trends.

Over the past decade, the country has made significant investments in DPI. The National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), mobile telecommunications networks, and expanding digital government services have laid the foundations for a rapidly digitising society.

Yet, while Nigeria’s digital infrastructure has expanded, questions remain about whether equivalent investments have been made in the systems required to secure that ecosystem against emerging threats.

The growing presence of extremist actors on TikTok and other social media platforms illustrates the challenge.

For years, insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), relied on intermediaries, clandestine websites and tightly controlled channels to disseminate messages about battlefield activities and ideological positions.

That model is changing. Platforms such as TikTok allow armed groups to bypass traditional gatekeepers and communicate directly with followers, potential recruits, local communities, victims and even the state itself.

As the platform becomes increasingly embedded in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, experts say its misuse by extremist actors raises broader questions about how DPI intersects with national security.

Joseph Ekong, a researcher and security analyst at Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), said while the use of technology in counterterrorism is important, the willingness of the Nigerian government to treat “early-warning and early-response systems as public infrastructure rather than ad-hoc, donor-driven projects” is also vital.

The algorithm advantage

TikTok’s design—fast-paced, algorithm-driven and highly engaging—makes it particularly susceptible to misuse.

Like many major social media platforms, it relies heavily on recommendation systems to surface content to users. However, the platform’s short-form video format and highly responsive recommendation engine can rapidly amplify content beyond an account’s existing followers, exposing videos to large audiences quickly. This amplification effect allows propaganda to travel far beyond its intended audience.

A single video, even if removed within hours, can be downloaded, reshared and repackaged across multiple accounts, creating a ripple effect that is difficult to contain. The video of the abducted Woro victims offers an example. While the clip disappeared from the main suspected insurgent account, copies remain accessible on several associated handles.

In this way, content moderation often becomes reactive while dissemination remains proactive.

For experts, this illustrates a broader challenge. As social media platforms become embedded within national information ecosystems, security institutions must contend not only with physical threats but also with algorithmically amplified influence operations.

Suggesting a response, Mr Samuel said the Nigerian government, particularly the Office of the National Security Adviser, could “work with social media companies” to shut down extremist or terrorist accounts. He, however, believes that the approach alone will not solve the problem, as groups can easily migrate to alternative platforms or create replacement accounts.

A shifting paradigm

The use of TikTok was initially more common among terror groups with no clear political motive, locally known as bandits.

During the course of this report, PREMIUM TIMES monitored and profiled more than 20 accounts, including some allegedly operated by bandits associated with the camp of notorious kingpin Ado Alieru.

More recently, however, Boko Haram factions appear to have adopted similar tactics.

This newspaper identified at least two accounts associated with Boko Haram factions. An independent researcher, who requested anonymity because of security concerns, linked one of the accounts to a faction led by Bakura Doro in the Lake Chad region.

“It started with bandits,” Bulama Bukarti, a lawyer and security analyst, said in an X post. “Now, Boko Haram members are hosting live TikTok shows—spreading propaganda, justifying their violence, and threatening anyone who dares speak against them.”

Mr Bukarti said the insurgents engage with viewers in real time, fielding questions, responding to comments and cultivating a disturbing sense of virtual community.

“Some of their pre-recorded videos have hundreds of thousands of views,” he added. “At this rate, it’s only a matter of time before they start livestreaming attacks.”

Noting that Nigerian intelligence agencies cannot track every terrorist, the lawyer advised that authorities work with TikTok to “shut down terrorist and bandit accounts.”

A system struggling to respond

Nigeria’s response to this evolving threat has been uneven.

Responsibility for digital security is spread across multiple institutions, including law enforcement agencies, intelligence services and communications regulators. While several coordination mechanisms already exist, researchers and policymakers have repeatedly identified challenges relating to information sharing, overlapping mandates and inter-agency cooperation.

While several agencies monitor aspects of cybercrime, terrorism and online activity, there is no public information about a dedicated, integrated framework for tracking extremist content across platforms in real time or for systematically analysing digital threat patterns across institutions.

This fragmentation mirrors broader challenges within Nigeria’s security architecture, where intelligence is often siloed, and institutional coordination can be slow.

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) did not respond to requests for comment sent by PREMIUM TIMES. However, during a press briefing last year, Adamu Laka, the centre’s Director-General, disclosed that the government was partnering with social media platforms to identify and remove terrorist-linked accounts.

The disclosure suggests that authorities recognise the growing digital dimension of terrorism. Data obtained from TikTok’s transparency portal showed that the platform received 33 takedown requests from the Nigerian government between January 2023 and the first two quarters of 2025. This included 24 content posted by 55 accounts, among which 30 were “actioned” upon for violating community guidelines and local laws.

However, experts argue that account removals alone cannot address the wider challenge.

Mr Samuel believes that simply taking down accounts may offer only temporary relief. Instead, he said the government should engage knowledgeable clerics and credible community voices to provide alternative narratives through the same platforms terrorists are using.

Automated moderation tools often struggle with local languages and dialects. Human moderation capacity for African content also remains limited, creating gaps that can be exploited by violent actors.

To address this challenge, Mr Samuel recommended greater collaboration with indigenous technology companies that possess a stronger linguistic and cultural understanding of local contexts.

Influence, recruitment and radicalisation

The use of TikTok is not only about broadcasting attacks, but it also raises concerns about influence and recruitment.

Short-form videos are easy to consume and share, making them effective tools for shaping narratives. Over time, repeated exposure to such content, even in diluted or coded forms, can normalise extremist ideas or desensitise audiences to violence.

For younger users, who make up a significant portion of TikTok’s audience in Nigeria, this presents a subtle but serious risk.

Delusional and subtle messages posted by the terrorists could drive frustrated, jobless young people into their ranks, according to Mr Samuel.

Unlike traditional recruitment, which often required physical networks, digital pathways are diffuse and harder to detect. A user may encounter a video, follow a handle, and gradually be drawn into more private or encrypted spaces where deeper engagement occurs.

However, the issue of identity is also key. Nigeria has invested heavily in NIN as the country’s foundational identity system. But how does that translate into digital platform accountability? Can terrorist-linked digital accounts be traced through stronger identity verification systems? Can social platforms work with governments without violating privacy rights? Can digital identity systems support lawful, rights-based security monitoring?

These are difficult but necessary questions, as analysts believe that without trusted identity layers across the digital ecosystem, anonymity becomes a weapon for violent actors.

The governance gap

At the heart of the issue is a digital governance gap.

Nigeria has yet to fully align its security strategy with the realities of a digitised threat environment. Policies exist—notably the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, which criminalise [online] terrorist activity, including propaganda, recruitment, and coordination. However, these frameworks are not specifically designed for the speed, scale, and algorithmic nature of platforms like TikTok.

Implementation remains fragmented. Institutional coordination is weak, and technical capacity is limited. Existing laws provide a basis for enforcement, but there is no dedicated, integrated policy framework focused on real-time monitoring, platform accountability, and cross-agency digital intelligence operations.

This gap is not just about regulation, it is about readiness, Mr Ekong said.

Without systems to monitor, analyse, and respond to online threats in a coordinated manner, the state remains a step behind actors who are increasingly agile and adaptive, exploiting both policy blind spots and enforcement delays.

By Yakubu Mohammed, Premium Times

Cholera death toll in northeast Nigeria rises to 90

At least 90 people ​have died and more ‌than 12,000 others have been infected in a fast-spreading cholera ​outbreak in Nigeria's conflict-hit ​Borno state, the U.N. Office ⁠for the Coordination of ​Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on ​Thursday.

Death toll from the outbreak that began in early May rose from ​74, with about 7,800 ​infections reported.

OCHA said aid agencies were ‌scaling ⁠up treatment, surveillance and access to clean water to support government efforts to contain ​the ​outbreak.

A $4 ⁠million injection from OCHA-managed funds was bolstering ​the emergency response, but ​more ⁠resources were urgently needed to strengthen prevention and treatment, ⁠OCHA ​said.

By Ahmed Kingimi, Reuters

US warns citizens in Nigeria against online passport renewal

The United States has warned its citizens residing in Nigeria against using its online passport renewal system, cautioning that doing so from outside the United States could automatically invalidate their current passport and leave them without a valid travel document.

The warning follows reports of US citizens abroad unknowingly submitting online passport renewal applications while outside the country, only to discover that their existing passports had been cancelled before they received replacement documents.

According to guidance issued by US diplomatic missions, citizens physically present outside the United States, including those in Nigeria, are not eligible to use the online passport renewal platform. Once an application is submitted through the system, the passport being renewed is automatically cancelled and can no longer be used for international travel, even if it remains within its validity period.

“Applying to renew a U.S. passport online while outside the United States will result in the automatic cancellation of your current passport,” the embassy said in a recent advisory, urging citizens abroad to use embassy or consular services instead.

The US Embassy in Abuja and the US Consulate General in Lagos continue to provide passport services for American citizens in Nigeria, including renewals and first-time applications through scheduled appointments.

Officials advised citizens requiring passport renewals to follow the appropriate overseas renewal procedures rather than attempting to use the domestic online system designed for applicants within the United States.

The advisory comes as the US government continues to encourage its citizens overseas to maintain valid travel documents and stay informed about security developments in their host countries. Nigeria remains under a Level 3 travel advisory issued by the US State Department, which advises Americans to reconsider travel to certain parts of the country due to concerns including crime, terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The embassy noted that eligible applicants in Nigeria may also have access to a mail-in passport renewal service through the US Embassy in Abuja, reducing the need for in-person visits in some cases.

US citizens were further encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides security updates, travel information and emergency notifications from US diplomatic missions.

The embassy advised Americans in Nigeria who are uncertain about their passport status or renewal options to contact the nearest US diplomatic mission before taking any action that could affect the validity of their travel documents.

Additional information on passport services and travel guidance is available through the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

By Azeez Kareem, The Guardian

Nigerian man jailed for storing human faeces outside his home

A man in northern Nigeria has been sentenced to two weeks in prison after neighbours complained that he was storing bags of human faeces outside his home, which they said made life unbearable.

Mohammed Saidu was taken to court in the city of Kano after residents reported the foul smell to environmental officials.

Magistrate Halima Wali ordered that he be detained for 14 days and fined 100,000 naira (£55; $74). She described his actions as highly inconsiderate and a threat to his neighbours' health.

Saidu, whose job is to empty sceptic tanks, is believed to have been selling the faeces to farmers to use as fertiliser - a common practice in the region, but which is rarely publicly acknowledged.

"I think he had close to 50 bags of faeces the first time the complaint reached me," local chief Musa Abdullahi told the BBC.

Neighbours said the stench from the property had become so overwhelming that it was impossible to relax at home.

One of those who complained, Samaila Inuwa, told the BBC that they had initially tried to resolve the matter privately.

"We spoke to him about it but he didn't stop," Inuwa said.

In court, Saidu pleaded guilty to the charge of endangering public health.

Before delivering her ruling, Magistrate Wali visited the property to see the bags of faeces for herself.

She ordered Saidu to clear all the waste from the premises and promise never to repeat the offence.

Inuwa said life had already improved for residents since the case was brought to court.

"Finally, our neighbourhood is enjoyable once more without any bad smell," he said.

The local chief said he had intervened when Saidu started storing the waste.

"When he first started it, I spoke to him about it and he packed them out [removed them] and stopped," he said. "I did not know when he resumed."

He added that neighbours had chosen to bypass him this time and go directly to the authorities.

Abdullahi said his own home was far enough away that he had not been affected by the smell, but he understood the residents' frustration.

"My mission is for everybody in this area to live in peace," he said. "When he is released, we will talk to him and the neighbours again."

By Mansur Abubakar, BBC

Ex-Nigeria oil minister cleared in UK bribery trial

 

A former Nigerian oil minister has been cleared of taking bribes from wealthy oil executives in the form of luxury home stays and lavish spending sprees in the UK.

Diezani Alison-Madueke, 65, was found not guilty after a trial at London's Southwark Crown Court of five counts of accepting bribes and a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Alison-Madueke was Nigeria's oil minister between 2010 and 2015 and the first female president of the oil exporters group Opec.

The verdict is a blow for the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), which had been investigating one of Africa's most prominent political figures for 13 years.

From the start of the trial in January, defence lawyers questioned the fairness of the prosecution's case, suggesting vital documents showing Alison-Madueke's innocence had gone missing in Nigeria.

They also said the long delay in bringing the case to court was unjust and a sign of Britain's "broken criminal justice system".

Also cleared by the jury were Alison-Madueke's older brother Doye Agama, 69, an archbishop at a Pentecostal church in Manchester, who was acquitted of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Oil industry executive Olatimbo Ayinde, 54, was found not guilty of bribery and bribery of a foreign public official.

She had faced prosecution despite being an informant in an anti-corruption probe by the Nigerian authorities.

'Madam due process'

Alison-Madueke portrayed herself in court as a role model for women, a tireless fighter against corruption, and someone who was such a stickler for the rules she was nicknamed "Madam due process".

She became the first female member on the Nigerian board of oil and gas giant Shell in 2006, and four years later was appointed oil minister, the country's second most senior politician. She became president of Opec in 2014.

"In a very patriarchal society, to have a woman sitting at the helm was a major no-no," she told the court, suggesting this had made her a target for unnamed male opponents.

Prosecutor Alexandra Healy KC said the former minister improperly allowed powerful men with lucrative government contracts in the oil business to bankroll her extravagant lifestyle.

Six of them were named on the indictment, although none were charged.

But the prosecution failed to provide evidence she awarded contracts to any of the oil tycoons named because of bribes.

"At no time did I ask, take, ‌or ⁠seek a bribe or bribes of any sort," Alison-Madueke told the court, saying many of the luxury items purchased were not for her, and that she had been with the oil men to offer advice on interior design in their own properties.

Alison-Madueke told the court that Nigerian ministers were not allowed to hold foreign bank accounts when on service overseas, and her department's office in London was in such disarray that she relied on wealthy businessmen funding her living expenses.

She said they were always reimbursed in Nigeria and evidence proving this had been seized from her home in Abuja but never produced by the authorities there.

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who had appointed Alison-Madueke, did not appear as a witness. But he provided a statement in which he said third parties would often pay for transport, accommodation and other items for ministers on official overseas business.


Questions raised by the case

There were a number of unanswered questions that seem to have fatally undermined the prosecution.

Defence barrister Jonathan Laidlaw KC questioned why the Nigerian government had not sought to prosecute Alison-Madueke.

He said Alison-Madueke had "effectively been kept prisoner in this country for almost 11 years… unable to work, unable to travel" while the NCA had "done nothing to bring about the extradition" of the six oil men said to have paid bribes to her.

The jury was not told why they had not been charged.

The defence claimed the investigation had been compromised from the start because the NCA was denied access to the search of Alison-Madueke's Abuja home in 2015.

They relied on work done on their behalf by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

But while the prosecution told the jury to trust how the EFCC had gathered evidence against Alison-Madueke, at the same time it advised them to disregard the commission's evidence in relation to a co-defendant in the trial.

The defence case of Olatimbo Ayinde, the oil industry executive who was also found not guilty by the jury, was she had been working as an informant for the Nigerian authorities to expose corruption.

Ayinde, a Nigerian businesswoman with British citizenship, said she been encouraged by the west African country's security services to "play along" with those in government who were asking her for bribes.

An EFCC investigator, who had travelled to London from Nigeria, told the court Ayinde had given "vital information that assisted the investigation".

"Miss Ayinde's plan was to help law enforcement and now she's there in the dock," said her barrister Jonathan Lennon KC who had sought unsuccessfully to have his client's case thrown out of court.

In a statement after the verdict, Alison-Madueke said her "nightmare is over".

She said: "For 11 long, gruelling years this case has hung over my head and has tormented me and my family. But today, the past decade of relentless and unjust vilification, condemnation and scrutiny has finally come to an end."

By Steven Swann, BBC

Video - Nigeria inflation eases but cost pressures remain

Inflation in Nigeria has eased significantly from the highs of 2024, signaling improving macroeconomic stability. However, many households continue to feel pressure from high costs of food, transport, and housing. While economic indicators suggest progress, everyday living conditions remain difficult for a large portion of the population.

CGTN Africa

Video - Nigeria sees surge in foreign investment inflows

Nigeria has recorded a sharp rise in foreign investment, attracting more than 10 billion US dollars in the first quarter of 2026. This represents nearly double the inflows seen in the same period last year, driven by recent economic reforms such as currency liberalization and fuel subsidy removal. Despite the strong figures, some analysts caution that broader economic challenges remain.

CTGN Africa

Nigerian government to launch free digital television for residents

The federal government has announced that it will launch FreeTV, a national digital television platform, on Wednesday.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the Presidency Nigeria X page on Tuesday night.

The FG said the platform will give households across the country access to free digital television, more channels, clearer pictures, and Nigerian content without monthly subscription fees.

Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, said the launch marked another important step in delivering President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the agenda prioritised inclusion, access to opportunity, job creation, local enterprise, and the use of technology to improve everyday life for Nigerians.

He said: “FreeTV is part of Nigeria’s Digital Switch-Over programme and is designed to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind as the country moves fully from analogue to digital broadcasting.

“Through the platform, Nigerians will have access to over 100 national, regional and state channels, including news, sports, movies, music, children’s programmes, educational content, and dedicated Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo language channels.”

Service

Additionally, Mr Ebuebu said FreeTVservice will reach viewers via satellite, terrestrial transmission and the FreeTV mobile app.

He said citizens in major cities, towns, rural communities and areas left out of earlier DSO pilot phases would all have access to it.

“Nigerians do not need to buy a new television to watch FreeTV. Existing televisions can work with compatible OVB-T2 or DVB-S2 decoders, and those who already have compatible free-to-air decoders may not need to buy a new one.

“Free TV speaks directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of Renewed Hope towards expanding access, creating opportunity and ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can benefit from the digital economy. With Free TV, families across Nigeria can enjoy quality digital television without a monthly subscription, while our local content producers, technicians and young creatives gain new platforms and new jobs,” he said.


Creative economy

Furthermore, Mr Ebuebu said the platform will also support Nigeria’s creative and broadcast economy.

He said this will happen through regional production studios in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Benin.

According to him, it will create new opportunities for content producers, technicians, editors, camera operators, sound engineers and young creatives.

“The final analogue switch-off remains scheduled for 31 December 2028, and Nigerians are encouraged to begin preparing by checking their decoder compatibility and downloading the FreeTV app.”

By Friday Omosola, Premium Times